ARS USDA PWA
RPES Case Write-up Reviewers Guide
This guide is issued to help clarify some of the common mistakes found in RPES case write-ups during Area
Office review. Please note that not all required headings are referenced. Refer to the current Manual 431.3-ARS
for a complete guide for preparing your RPES case write-up.
Factor 1 - Research Assignment (p. 8)
 Use numbers for Factors, not roman numerals. e.g., Use Factor 2 instead of Factor II.
 Factors 1-3 B are not to exceed 3 single spaced pages on final draft.
 Use a minimum font size of Times New Roman 12 or equivalent. 1” margin on all sides.
 Flush left format is an option, per an email from Pat Humphrey dated 3/23/06, as long as each element is
numbered as shown in the Manual 431.3-ARS pages 5 and 6.
 All pages following page 1 must be numbered. Page numbering should start on page 2 with the number
2. (With Microsoft Office Word 2007: select Insert; Page number; and once you’ve set up page numbering; select
Page Layout; Page Setup; Layout; and Different first page.
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Use incumbent, not your name in Factors 1 – 3B. The first 3 pages of the case write-up contain the
position description and are to remain neutral.
Include “Research” in your title when applicable. (p. 6)
E. Supervisory Responsibilities (p. 9)
 Listing of positions supervised: title, grade, level. List only ARS employees.
 Must include EEO paragraph from manual verbatim.
Factor 2 – Supervisory Controls (p.10)
 This heading reflects a change incorporated into the Dec. 13, 2006 Manual 431.3-ARS
Factor 3 - Guidelines and Originality (p. 11)
C. Demonstrated Originality (p. 11)
 Factor 3C must start on new page. Nice option: Repeat Factor 3 heading.
 Not to exceed ½ page on single spaced final draft, should relate to current assignment.
 Use your name, not incumbent, starting in Factor 3C.
Factor 4 - Contributions, Impact, and Stature (p. 12)
 This heading reflects a change incorporated into the Dec. 13, 2006 Manual 431.3-ARS
 Optional brief introduction paragraph (1/3 page) summarizing research by listing total years in research,
total number of publications/presentations, reputation, and recognition.
A. Demonstrated Accomplishments (pp. 12-28)
 Limit to ½ page per accomplishment maximum on single spaced final draft.
 Use asterisk* to indicate accomplishment is since last promotion or date of ARS entry.
 Limit 2 exhibits per accomplishment with corresponding publication number. e.g., (Exhibit 1a, #25;
Exhibit 1b, #45; and #32, #34, #35, #36) Note: no dashes please.
 Check that Accomplishment exhibits, publications, and exhibits on CD match.
 If one exhibit contains 2 or 3 support letters, a signed AD cover memo is required. The Area Office
has a sample template for you to use.
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Required boldfaced subheadings (number accomplishments 1-8 as applicable)
1. Accomplishment:
o Role
o Impact
1. Accomplishment/Role: (if it is a sole-author accomplishment (pg. 16)
o Impact
Additional Accomplishments: (pg. 29)
9. Accomplishment:
Additional accomplishments are optional and encouraged (up to 2). They can reference publication
numbers but not exhibits.
B. Stature and Recognition (p. 29) “The annual performance rating process is separate from and has no
relevance to RPES. Therefore, no reference may be made to annual performance ratings or annual performance
rating awards…” (including Certificates of Merit for annual performance ratings)
1. Honors and Awards (up to 20) If more than 20, use the following summary sentence;
Have received [insert number] formal honors and awards, of which the following are the most significant:
2. Special Invitations (up to 20) Title, date, location, organization. Ok to list declined invitations.
3. Offices and Committee Assignments Held in Professional and Honorary Societies
 (up to 20) Be specific and include dates.
4. Participation in Professional Meetings, Technical Conferences, Workshops, etc.
 Specify dates, name, # of yrs., attendance and # of presentations.
C. Advisory and Consultant Activities (p. 31)
1. Professional Advisory and Consulting Activities (up to 20)
 Summarize total #s followed by a bullet list, or just a bullet list - up to 20.
2. Special Assignments (up to 20)
 Describe technical, professional, and ADODR assignments. Include dates.
D. Other
1. Educational Background
2. Research Experience
3. Other Significant Information (p. 33-34) (up to 10 summary lists max).
 No entry may exceed 1/3 page on single spaced final draft.
 Include CRADASs, grants, and manuscripts submitted for journal review but not yet
accepted. Summarize total, followed by list of up to 20.
E. Publications (p. 35)
 Start E. on a separate page.
 List only published works.
 Delineate by a dashed line, those materials published since last promotion.
 An abstract can be an exhibit, but cannot be listed as a publication. (p. 36)
1. Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles and Patents
2. Additional Publications
 The 2 titles above reflect the 9/24/08 change to the Manual 413.3-ARS
 Remove numbers from above titles so publications can follow numerically.
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